Samantha Wagar (She/Her)

Samantha Wagar is a Regional Health Connector (RHC) serving Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties that make up Region 8 of Colorado’s Health Statistics Regions. She is hosted by Rio Grande Public Health Department. 

Samantha holds a bachelors degree in Healthcare Administration. She began her career in healthcare as a Financial Counselor at San Luis Valley Health where she began to learn the intricacies of revenue cycle and what it means to really care about a person’s whole wellbeing. She quickly rose in her department to manager where she was able to expand her work in patient access. She has since worked in healthcare for more than 10 years in many capacities.

Samantha is passionate about helping others and bringing people together. She believes that in many instances, it really does take a village, and helps others find ways to elevate their life experiences, which she hopes to continue this as an RHC.

She is married to a wonderful farmer, is a mother to two incredible sons, and is a stepmother to a beautiful daughter and an amazing son. Together they spend much of their summer boating. Surfing is one of her favorite things to do alongside distance running, weight lifting, golfing, volunteering, and any other activity that includes her family.

To connect with Samantha, reach out at [email protected].

Areas of Focus

Communities across Colorado have unique public health needs.

RHCs live, work, and play in the communities they serve. Their lived experience and expertise, combined with local data and community partnerships, equip them to address the diverse social needs of their communities.

In Region 8, Samantha focuses on the following key programmatic areas:

  • Veterans’ access to care

  • Behavioral health

  • Housing

  • Transportation

  • Supports for young adults with physical and developmental disabilities

  • Family support and co-parenting resources

  • Education

Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties in Colorado

Systems Partners

Regional Health Connectors are relationship builders.

Focusing at the systems level, RHCs build and bridge connections with primary care providers, public health organizations, social and behavioral health services, and other community resources to ensure that these partners have knowledge of and access to resources available within their region to meet the needs of their community.

In Region 8, Samantha fosters key relationships across:

  • Veterans Coalition of the San Luis Valley

  • San Luis Valley Health

  • Valley-wide health systems

  • Rio Grande Hospital

  • San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group

  • Colorado BOCES Association

  • LOR Foundation

  • Local school districts

  • Clinicians, counselors, and therapists

About the Rio Grande Public Health Department

Rio Grande County Public Health specializes in offering comprehensive travel health consultation, education, immunizations, and expert advice for individuals. Their primary goal is to help ensure that everyone in their shared community is living healthy and high-quality lives. Their staff wants to empower the people of Rio Grande County to make informed decisions and adopt behaviors that protect and enhance the health of individuals, families, communities, and the environment.

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